Where the wireless things are!

[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”] [et_pb_row admin_label=”row”] [et_pb_column type=”4_4″] [et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] Today we were lucky enough have spent some time with Andrew Douche. He is a technology specialist who spent time with year levels teams, the digital learning team and the whole staff. His presentation was certainly thought provoking.  He discussed that every app usefulness should be evaluated using 6 criteria:

1. Is it time efficient?

2. Is it easy?

3. Does it take us somewhere new?

4. Is it engaging?

5. Does it address a pedagogical challenge?

6. Does it prepare students for their future?

Andrew was able to use some great metaphors to help us grasp the importance of technology in our lives and made a compelling case for teachers to be reimagining the use of the technology in schools.

From the unfocused student demonstrating an unwavering persistence and resilience when engaged in video games to the changing the landscape of our work futures, from online divorces and automated medical certificates, and computers that solve complex mathematical problems in an instant. These things will (and already are) changing the way we live.

All of Andrew’s arguments were backed up by prominent educational theorists such as Hattie and Dylan William.  The things that make the biggest difference according to tot he research of these educationalists includes students self-evaluating and measuring their own progress and constant formative evaluation and feedback provided by teachers.  Many of the apps that Andrew shared with us have considered these things and we can be satisfied with their ability to meet the 6 criteria of useful apps.

Check it many of the apps Andrew shared below:

As to methods, there may be a million and then some, but principles are few. The man who grasps principles can successfully select his own methods. The man who tries methods, ignoring principles, is sure to have trouble- Harrington Emerson

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